This is a female example of the Rabbit Hutch spider, Steatoda bipunctata.

This is the most common and widespread of our six UK False Widow species. The common name comes from their love of sheds and outbuildings, including rabbit hutches, and I doubt that there is a rabbit hutch or shed in the land that does not have this spider in residence.

It is a very common garden species throughout the UK and is not a species implicated in bites as other members of this group are.

Several species of lace web spiders are common around the outside of our homes and gardens. They make a characteristic lace-like web on fences, sheds, walls and among general clutter around the garden.

Males are prone to wander indoors when mature and looking for a mate. Bites have been reported when a spider has been trapped against the skin, but with little pain or lasting symptoms.

You may come across the odd one in the house, particularly in very wet weather as they get washed out of their homes - but 4 month year olds are safe.